When searching for your dream house a lot of emphasis is typically placed on the location, size, and style of the house; ensuring everything you desire is perfectly in place. When buying a home you can't let your emotions cloud your sense of reason. You need to carefully examine all factors closely and perform the due diligence necessary to ensure you are making the right decision.
Read Through Recent Newspapers and Archived Articles:
Local news papers and other publications are a great resource for the most current information. Archived news articles on the other hand may alert you to past issues or on going controversy in the area. A little extra time spent reading will pay off in a long run when compiling your pros and cons list.
Talk To The neighbors:
The residents of the neighborhood are the best source of first hand information. Getting a feel for the neighborhood's demographic will help determine if it is the correct environment for your family. Confirm there is a neighborhood association or alternative platform to discuss the welfare of the neighborhood.
Get Details On Recent Home Improvements:
Home inspections will provide you with information on where improvements may be needed. Determining the quality of the improvements that have already been completed is also important. Ask to review receipts from previous renovations to help gauge the quality of the materials used and the longevity of the improvement. For example, if the house was painted a year ago, and the receipt reveals a lesser quality paint was used, you can expect to re-paint in a year or so.
Review Tax Records:
A review of the past and present real estate tax records will provide you with a better understanding of the area's tax rate, and property evaluation. It's good to know how regularly homes are evaluated and how often property taxes are increased.
There is so much to consider when buying a home. Be certain to take all factors into consideration when making your decision.

When shopping for a home, most people take their time searching for the perfect house. The question is, how much time should be spent searching for the right neighborhood as well? To find the superb setting for your new home, the house and neighborhood need to offer what your family desires. The following information should be helpful when trying to determine if a neighborhood is right for you.
Paint a mental picture of your perfect neighborhood. Write a list of the characteristics your ideal neighborhood would possess, taking into consideration your long and short term needs. Then answer the following questions:

Do you have or plan to have children ?

How far are you willing to commute ?

How much property do you want surrounding your home ?

Are you looking for a rural or urban setting ?

Do you prefer a historic neighborhood or one with more modern homes?

Would you be comfortable in a neighborhood with lots of noise and activities or would you prefer a more quiet serene one?

With these questions answered you now have a clearer idea of the characteristics you want in your new neighborhood. This should help to narrow your search area. Start by scouting around neighborhoods that appear to fit your established criteria. For example, search a radius around your place of employment using your determined maximum commuting distance. You may find that an additional 2 miles added to your commute will put you into the neighborhood of your dreams.
Once you have located a neighborhood that meets your specifications, it's time to dig a little deeper. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and during the weekend to get a true feel for the environment. Look for the warning signs of a troubled neighborhood such as abandoned buildings, vandalism, and poorly maintained streets and sidewalks. Talk with people in the neighborhood and see if they will share the pros and cons of living in the area.
Local officials should be able to answer your questions regarding the following:

Population demographic

School system

Crime statistics

Property values and tax rates

Local entertainment, shopping and dinning

Choosing the right neighborhood will make the transition to a new home much easier for you and your family. The extra time and energy spent researching will be well worth it.